Supporters demonstrate at Carmel restaurant that continues to serve patrons inside despite shelter-in-place order
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. (KION) Tuck Box, a Carmel restaurant that opened for in-house dining last week under a shelter-in-place order, already had support from a number of local diners. But on Sunday, people traveled from as far as San Jose to show that they're behind the decision to reopen.
Cars lined Dolores Street and people gathered outside Tuck Box in an effort to show support for owner Jeffrey LeTowt.
"I’m supporting this gentleman who has, in the face of a lot of adversity, stood strong and opened his business," demonstrator Mark Stevens said.
Some local business owners were among the protestors. They said they understood LeTowt's motivation for reopening.
"This has taken away my right to earn a living," Stevens said.
On Thursday, the Monterey County District Attorney charged LeTowt with three misdemeanors, accusing him and his staff of serving people inside the restaurant, not wearing masks and refusing to enforce social distancing rules.
On Sunday, people traveled hours to show their support for the restaurant.
"This is an unconstitutional, immoral order that the governor has made and he’s violating the natural rights of humans," demonstrator David Rodriguez said.
Many of the people in attendance have been demonstrating in other parts of the Central Coast. They've particularly focused on beaches in Santa Cruz, where activity is restricted right now. They call the gatherings "Freedom Fridays."
"Open up the businesses, the beaches, the parks," Rodriguez said. "And if you’re afraid of the virus that’s okay, stay home. If you don’t want to open up your business, that’s okay, stay home."
But other restaurant owners in Carmel said they disapprove of Tuck Box's reopening and worry his defiance will set everyone back.
"We’re all getting through this together, we’re all having a hard time together," Pangaea Grill owner Mira Porges said. "We’re almost there."
Some of the demonstrators said they were willing to support other businesses that open up in the next few weeks.
In the meantime, LeTowt faces a thousand-dollar fine and an arraignment in court for violating the health department order.
